With the help of a son-in-law, a new vegetable bed has been established at the back of the house. Vast sums have been spent on wood, on new topsoil - 20 wheelbarrow's worth - on plants, and on netting to keep the birds off. 'I should just buy the vegetables in the village shop' said a friendly but unhelpful local friend. He misunderstands this former urban-dweller's drive to return to the land and pretend for a few moments that, when the whole system breaks down, he will be able to feed his family.
If you visit in July then be warned: it will be lettuces with every meal.
